Here is a break down of what children learn through play:

Social Development

• When you play with children, it builds attachment
  
• Playing with others teaches your child cooperation, sharing, empathy and helping
  

Emotional Development

• Expressing him/herself through play boots your child's feeling of self-worth
  
• When your child pretends it helps him/her understand and learn to control his/her feelings
  

Intellectual (Cognitive)

• Pretend play helps a child make sense of her everyday experiences
  
• Play enhances a child's persistence, attention span, memory and ability to focus-all skills that are important for success in school
  

Language Development

• The more practice he/she has to make sounds-even silly ones- the better a child's tongue and mouth can coordinate to say words
  
• When a child cooperates with you or with another playmate, your child uses words to tell you his/her ideas
  

Physical Development

• Exploring with their bodies helps children strengthen their large and small muscles
  
• As they repeat actions, children gain hand-eye coordination and other skills that prepare them for later learning
  

What do we do to help?

• Create places where children can play
  
• Play with them
• Let children be children
• Give them toys that help learn and let them choose what to play